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College Degree Levels and Career Options

The confusion between different degrees can make planning an education a real struggle. The wrong degree can not only ruin your education experience, but it can also damage your job prospects and earning potential. To make the degree selection process simpler, this guide explains the college degrees you can opt for depending on your personal, educational, and professional goals.

College Degrees and Your Career Path

An associate degree focuses on foundational knowledge and practical skills for entry-level positions, whereas a four-year bachelor’s degree offers more targeted courses for a specific field. The additional two-year master’s degrees cover advanced specialization and expertise, while doctorate degrees prepare careers for research, academia, and top-level executive positions.

Two students sitting on the campus lawn while studying

Each of these degrees provides distinct levels of education and preparation for the specific demands of different industries and jobs.

DegreeTypical Completion PeriodMinimum CreditsIn-Demand Program MajorsGeneral Admission Requirements
Associate2 years60Nursing, business administration, computer scienceHigh school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s4 years120Engineering, health sciences, educationHigh school diploma, standardized test scores, transcripts
Master’s18 months to 2 years30-60Political science, healthcare administration, engineering Bachelor’s degree, GRE/GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement
Doctorate4-7 years60-120Health sciences, computer technology, engineeringBachelor’s degree, GRE scores, master’s degree (in some cases), research experience, letters of recommendation

1. Associate Degree

Fresh out of high school and considering college? A college associate degree could be a great start for you! An associate degree is an academic program offered as an undergraduate degree instead of a bachelor’s degree. 

Associate Degree

Associate degrees were originally offered in the United Kingdom. The United States education system quickly followed suit. Today, it is widely popular among high school graduates in the US and parts of Canada.

Most accredited online schools offer associate degrees, allowing for a more accessible and convenient way to study. You can easily take advantage of the distance learning programs offered by many online schools or engage in on-campus education. Either way, you will gain a new set of transferable skills that will help you in your personal and professional life.

2. Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s or baccalaureate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded by a college or university upon successful completion of a course. Also known as postsecondary education, a bachelor’s is often considered the next step for high school graduates.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor of science degree is a specific concentration in the sciences and research, usually taken as a pre-med. A bachelor of arts degree, on the other hand, inclines toward the liberal arts, philosophy, social science, and sociology. Lastly, the bachelor of fine arts is a degree for those gifted in the arts. 

To this day, a bachelor’s degree is still the standard requirement for a thriving professional career. This is the degree you need to step up to a master’s program. Most importantly, it is also the first step to attaining a degree in law or medicine. 

3. Master’s Degree

Done with your bachelor’s degree and still want more? Consider earning a master’s degree. A master’s degree (MA) is a postgraduate degree taken after an undergraduate degree. Managerial positions will be an easy job for you to take on if you manage to get this degree.

Master's Degree

It is important that you know what program you need to take to get close to your educational and professional goals. MA is created for more targeted academic goals, with a single focus in mind. A specialty area enables graduate students to focus on a niche, which, in turn, builds competence.

Highly competent individuals are in demand. Corporations prefer those who have postgraduate degrees to hold managerial and supervisory positions. These positions require the high fidelity and competence expected from a postgraduate degree holder.

4. Doctorate Degree

Why not consider getting a doctorate if part of your professional dream is to belong to this category of highly-skilled professionals? A doctorate is the highest educational attainment one can accomplish. It is considered the pinnacle and a symbol of the most learned individual.

Doctorate Degree

After earning a master’s degree, you might realize you still have the eagerness and curiosity to learn more and dig deeper into your field of specialization. In this case, a doctorate degree is perfect!

A doctorate is the most advanced degree that you can earn. What comes with it is a sign that you have completely mastered a specific area, field of study, or profession.

Three students wearing graduation robes, all holding diplomas

Comparison Between the Different Degrees

Should you get an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree? Is it better to continue with a master’s and eventually pursue a doctorate? The job market has varying educational requirements, and learning the differences between these degrees can help you better understand which path to take for your personal growth and professional future.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree

Categorically speaking, both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are tertiary in nature since they are earned after you complete your secondary education. Choosing between the two boils down to what you believe will greatly influence your future.

The key differences between both degrees include the program length, program focus, program cost, earning potential, and employment opportunities. 

Program Length

This is the most notable difference between these degrees. For full-time programs, you can complete your associate’s degree in two years, while it takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program. These programs take even longer for those who are enrolled part-time.

Today, many colleges offer flexible schedules, including online classes or night and weekend sessions, to accommodate working students, parents, professionals, and other students who can’t attend regular classes during the day.

Program Focus

Associate degree programs have two types, each with a different focus. There are general studies that don’t focus on a specific job-declared major or set of skills. This is a good option if you wish to earn credits that you can later apply to a bachelor’s degree. 

In contrast, specialized vocational or technical coursework is ideal if you aim to learn a specific set of skills or train for a particular role. 

Bachelor’s degree programs, on the other hand, focus on a specific topic of study or major. You will complete a core curriculum or general education courses in a variety of fields (like language, fine arts, history, science, language arts, and many more), as well as elective and mandatory courses relevant to your program major. 

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Earning Potential

An associate degree holder earns less than those who have a bachelor’s degree. Statistics show that the median weekly earnings of someone with a four-year degree are $1,012. Those with an associate degree have a median weekly earning of $721.

Program Cost

The fees and tuition vary widely, although pursuing an associate degree is less expensive than a bachelor’s degree.

Due to the earning potential that comes with a bachelor’s degree, along with the many job opportunities you get once you earn your bachelor’s, the program cost should not deter you from pursuing this degree.

Career Paths

Another thing to consider when deciding between pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is what you plan to do after you complete the program. In an associate degree program, the credits you earn are usually applied to a bachelor’s degree program.

While earning an associate degree is enough to land an entry-level position, take note that promotions may require additional education. As with a bachelor’s degree, this is required if you plan to continue your education and earn a master’s, doctorate, and other professional degrees. 

Master’s Degree vs. Doctorate Degree 

The demand for either a master’s degree or a doctorate is very high. How will you know which program is suitable for you? Does your industry require one degree or another? 

Both postgraduate educational programs have different focuses. A master’s degree focuses more on deepening your profession-oriented skills and knowledge. A doctorate, on the other hand, is more research-based and is designed to hone your critical research, writing, and analytical skills to fill industry knowledge gaps.

Graduation diploma next to a clear jar filled with confetti

Program Focus

A master’s degree offers selected courses, allowing you to further specialize your degree and widen your experience in related subject areas. Meanwhile, a doctorate covers more research, writing, and analytical skills in preparation for your dissertation.

Most MA and PhD degrees have exams that will test your level of understanding of the major concepts you learned in your coursework. You need to pass this exam to be eligible for the dissertation.

Earning Potential

You can expect to earn up to $2.8 million in your lifetime with a master’s degree and increase that to over $3.5 million with a PhD. However, the earning potential also varies based on factors such as industry, location, and experience.

Professionals with a doctorate tend to have higher earning potential compared to those with a master’s degree, as they have acquired advanced knowledge and specialized skills in their field. Taking advantage of this potential can lead to greater financial stability and success.

Program Cost

Pursuing a doctorate typically requires a significant financial investment, as these programs are longer and more intensive than master’s degrees. While the upfront costs may be higher, the future success and earning potential associated with a doctorate can make it a worthwhile investment for many individuals. 

For instance, full-time students pursuing a master’s degree need to pay an average of $16,000 while doctorate students prepare around $18,000. However, this can go higher or lower depending on the school and financial aid options.

Career Paths

A master’s degree can open up many employment paths in various industries, such as management, education, and specialized fields. On the other hand, a doctorate is often required for careers in academia, research, and highly specialized roles. 

Additionally, a doctorate may provide access to leadership positions, tenured professorships, and potentially better retirement benefits in certain fields.

Career-Specific Degree Programs

Now that you’ve an overview of and know the difference between associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, it’s time to discover the career-specific degrees to build your profession.

Law

A law degree is a respected area of study focusing on law or legal studies. Earning a doctorate in law is no easy feat. You will need to pull more all-nighters than ever, so be sure to get that pot of coffee ready for long hours of reading and studying.

Law Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the first step to enrolling in law school. The first year of law school starts with compulsory law courses. You’ll be exposed to community legal aid programs where you can impart your legal know-how to various sectors.

Completion of a bachelor of laws or LLB qualifies you to take the Bar. Meanwhile, pursuing a master of law or LLM helps you specialize in a particular field, like criminal law, corporate compliance, or family law. High school graduates can start by looking at different degree levels, schools, and programs for law:

Engineering

An engineering degree is highly focused on practical skills, which are valued assets in various industrial and corporate sectors. Students of engineering thrive on logical thinking and critical problem-solving. 

Engineering Degree

Engineering is a specialized degree vital to developing solutions to many social and economic problems, which is why engineering graduates are in high demand. Engineering college graduates experience an above-average full-time employment rate of 83%.

Generally, engineering is a broad subject. Various disciplines are offered, including chemical, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Each is specifically focused on the field, so there is no overlap, especially in employment opportunities:

Nursing

About 71% of registered nurses in the American workforce are bachelor’s degree holders. Registered nurses with a master’s degree have increased to 17%, whereas only 2.7% have a PhD.

Nursing Degree

With a projected 193,000 job openings for registered nurses every year, there is a high demand for nurses in clinics, home care facilities, public health institutions, and even asylums. A nursing degre trains you to become adaptable and ready to engage to the challenges of direct patient care.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the most common nursing degree. It is a four-year degree program, which requires serious commitment. BSN graduates are equipped with the practical skills needed and required by a medical professional, whether you consider on-campus, hybrid, or online programs:

Business

A business degree is among the most flexible and generally applicable types of credentials accessible. Because it applies to practically every business and commerce sector, earning a diploma in this field can open doors to different career paths in different industries.

Business Degree

A student’s education will blend academic theory and practical skill development to equip them for a smooth transition into the workforce if they choose a business school with ACBSP certification. There are several prospects for professional development, including time management, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

A business degree provides you with the information and abilities employers seek to apply to various jobs and sectors. Whether high school graduates choose a standard campus program or an online business degree, there are different program majors to choose from:

Education

Getting a higher degree for education majors entails extensive research into varying facets of education. Sharing knowledge with others, making the learning process entertaining and effective, and improving the current educational system are tasks you will learn to do with a degree in education.

Education Degree

Master’s in education programs, like any other developed study or science, keep up with current information and utilize every new piece to make the art of teaching better and more effective. Creative pedagogy, educational philosophy and psychology, critical pedagogy, and concept learning are topics you can study in an education degree.

You must first obtain a state license and pass a competency test to teach in a public school. A wide range of degrees are available to suit your professional aspirations, whether you want to be a principal, administrator, teacher, or tutor. 

Religious Studies and Theology

Theology and religious studies are fascinating, varied, and versatile programs. While religious and theology degrees cover many of the same topics, they are usually tailored to individual interests and ambitions.

Religious Studies and Theology Degree

High school graduates interested in philosophy, the mores and tenets of humanity and its diverse belief systems, and Christian ministry will enjoy pursuing a degree in religious studies. The numerous advantages of this degree allow graduates to join the workforce with a diverse set of abilities and a thorough understanding of their field.

A bachelor’s degree in religious studies is also best for those who have questions about the existence of humanity, God, and the many similarities and differences among religions. Degrees in religion and theology have different requirements based on the degree level and subject of concentration:

Economics

The job market alters and grows as new technologies arrive. Commerce goes on, yet the methods individuals use to purchase and sell are constantly changing. Even spending patterns have changed dramatically during the last few decades.

Economics Degree

Economists can expect 6% job growth from 2018 to 2028. However, as jobs increase, the demand for higher qualifications also rises. This is why bachelor’s degree holders can consider taking up master’s degrees specializing in areas like big data, economic analytics, or quantitative economics. 

Companies and government entities need the broader trends concealed in thousands or millions of transactions each day. Employees have the expertise to sift massive amounts of data. There are different college-level degrees you can take as an economics major:

How Does a Degree Impact Career Growth

Pursuing a degree can significantly impact career growth by providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to excel in their chosen field. College graduates often have a competitive advantage over those without a degree, opening doors to better employment opportunities and higher earnings.

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Stand Out for Entry-Level Positions With a Degree

In general, a baccalaureate degree is the stepping stone to securing entry-level positions, as it gives job applicants a competitive edge in a saturated job market. Employers receive numerous resumes with similar qualifications and experience, making it challenging for candidates without a degree to stand out.

Having an undergraduate degree demonstrates unique skills and knowledge, making the candidate more appealing to potential employers. It can lead to professional advancement opportunities and higher salaries compared to high school graduates.

In today’s rapidly changing job landscape, a bachelor’s degree equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. Investing in a baccalaureate degree can open up opportunities and help candidates differentiate themselves from others.

Advance to Mid-Level Positions With Higher Education

Investing in higher education, such as a master’s degree, can be a game-changer for those seeking mid-level positions and career advancement. Mid-level roles often require a higher level of education and experience, and obtaining an advanced degree can help individuals stand out from the competition.

Higher education provides a significant financial advantage and equips bachelor’s degree holders with valuable skills and knowledge relevant to their field. For example, many universities and colleges offer flexible options like online and evening classes, making it easier to balance education with work and personal commitments.

Pursuing higher education is an investment in oneself and one’s future job prospects, with the potential to pay dividends for years to come.

Secure Executive Positions By Going Beyond A Master’s Degree

A doctorate is becoming increasingly important for individuals seeking executive positions and high-level leadership roles. This advanced degree demonstrates a high level of education, knowledge, and commitment to personal and professional growth.

By investing in a doctorate, you can position yourself as a subject matter expert and achieve success in a highly competitive job market. A doctorate program allows students to share ideas effectively, especially through research. Employers may require this level of topic mastery and research skills in high-level leadership roles.

To excel in executive positions, it pays off to possess a broad range of skills, such as strategic thinking, effective communication, and sound decision-making abilities. Pursuing a PhD can be personally fulfilling, allowing you to expand your knowledge, challenge yourself, and experience a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Gain Real-Life Experiences Based on Different Degree Training

The training and work immersions for college students differ depending on the degree level. Some focus on capstone projects, while others highlight field studies. There are degrees that need students to spend more time on research, whereas some emphasize the importance of hands-on work.

Two people shaking hands after a meeting

Ways to Determine if Your College Degree Choice Aligns With Your Desired Career

You’ve seen the significance of each college degree for your future. The question is – how can you make sure whether an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate aligns with your preferred job or professional goal? Take the time to evaluate different factors to guide you toward the most suitable degree.

1. Identify Your Career Goals

The first step in determining if a degree program aligns with your career goals is to identify your desired career path. Exploring different careers that align with your hobbies and interests, or observing individuals in fields that interest you, can help narrow down your choices. You can start by answering these questions:

2. Evaluate Degrees That Match Your Employment Goals

Once you have identified your primary or potential professional goals, the next step is to research degree programs that align best with those goals. There are multiple degree paths, including an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate.

From here, you can evaluate if a degree provides the relevant knowledge, skills, and experience for your desired profession.

3. Research the Common Occupations Associated with a Degree

Determine the occupations commonly held by graduates of a particular degree program. This can help you assess if the skills and knowledge acquired through that program align with your desired employment trajectory.

For example, associate or bachelor’s degree holders may have more opportunities for entry-level positions. Professionals with a master’s degree can have better chances to progress into managerial roles. Meanwhile, those with a PhD can fulfill job requirements of executive leadership jobs.

4. Consult an Enrollment Services Advisor

Consider speaking to an Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA), especially if you still have questions about a particular degree. Most schools have advisors that can provide insights into a degree’s program requirements and curriculum. This can help you evaluate if the courses, training, or research can help your goals.

What to Look for in a College Education

Different factors can come into play when evaluating college degree options. Program majors may be different between an associate and a baccalaureate degree. Coursework and fellowship programs may also differ between master’s and doctorate programs. 

The good thing is the diverse selection of college degree levels also provides flexibility in letting you choose which is the right degree based on your current academic education and job aspirations.

Program Majors

Does your prospective institution offer your intended major? Did you know that one-third of bachelor’s degree holders have changed majors? Meanwhile, about 28% of associate’s degree holders have also shifted to other programs.

As you progress in your education or profession, learn new information, and get exposed to different working environments, you may notice a change in your interests. While it’s important that your target school offers your desired major, it also helps to check if there are other programs you can consider later on.

Some schools offer accelerated programs where bachelor’s degree holders can also obtain an MA, or those applying for a master’s degree can streamline their coursework to a PhD.

Coursework and Hands-On Training

A baccalaureate degree can have more general courses than an associate program. Depending on the school, master’s and doctorate programs can offer more electives and capstone courses.

  1. Core courses: These are required to complete a master’s degree and are generally considered important knowledge to further your industry expertise. 
  2. Electives: These are selected courses that allow you to specialize in your degree further and widen your experience in related subject areas.
  3. Capstone course (thesis): The capstone course is simply the thesis that culminates in your master’s degree. This involves doing research and presenting all your findings.
  4. Comprehensive exam: This exam will test your level of understanding of the major concepts you learned in your coursework. You need to pass this exam to be eligible for the dissertation.
Notebook, laptop and a bag on a wooden table

Aside from that, look for experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, fieldwork, cooperative education, service learning, and undergraduate research. These can give you a chance to step outside the classroom and apply your newfound knowledge in real-life settings. 

However, only 30% of educational institutions offer experiential learning and hands-on training opportunities. For this reason, it pays to carefully evaluate if your chosen school and curriculum includes experiential and hands-on training to prepare for your profession.

School Location

When choosing between potential colleges or universities, their respective locations can significantly impact employment prospects more than you think.

When talking to a program advisor, you can ask – does the school have established connections with businesses, organizations, or industry leaders within the school area? Will the campus allow you to explore fieldwork in nearby areas?

Finally, the school’s location can affect tuition costs. However, you should not automatically dismiss out-of-state options, as some institutions may offer competitive out-of-state tuition rates compared to in-state schools.

Admission Requirements

An associate degree typically has fewer requirements than an undergraduate degree. Meanwhile, a PhD admission may require more research or work experience than an MA. Despite that, admission requirements may vary per school and program.

While each institution and program has certain criteria, these are common requirements you can expect:

Cost, Funding, and Financial Aid

The cost of higher education can be a significant factor in choosing a college degree, whether it’s an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program. Aside from the tuition fees, you’ll also need to prepare for other expenses, including room and boarding, textbooks, and other associated costs.

Private colleges have increased tuition costs by about 4%, whereas public institutions have hiked their fees by 1.4% to 2%. Fortunately, financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, can alleviate the financial burden and make pursuing a degree more accessible and affordable.

Carefully evaluating the cost and exploring funding opportunities can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and employment goals without compromising your financial stability.

Woman using a calculator with her laptop in front of her

Counseling Services

A counseling center can be a game-changer, offering personalized coaching to help identify if your interests, values, and personalities align with potential employment paths. Counseling services play a pivotal role in supporting your professional development and preparation.

For instance, counseling centers can provide professional development resources, including resume writing or mock interviews for associate’s or bachelor’s degree students. Meanwhile, MA students can seek internship opportunities. On the other hand, PhD students can access facilities for networking and exploration.

Faculty involvement in integrating professional development into academic programs, such as through capstone courses, can further improve your readiness for the job market. Knowing that there are people who look out for you will push you to organize your time. 

Accreditation

Accreditation is another vital component in making sure that, whether you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, employers recognize the program’s credibility. Accreditation also indicates whether a master’s or PhD program has undergone rigorous evaluation or met industry standards.

Attending an accredited institution can enhance job market prospects, as many employers prioritize candidates with degrees from accredited programs. Additionally, accreditation is often a prerequisite for professional licensure or certification in certain fields, further underscoring its importance.

Alumni Community

A strong alumni community can be a valuable asset for college graduates, as it provides powerful networking opportunities both during their academic journey and after graduation. A survey reveals that 85% of employment opportunities come from some sort of networking, including a school’s alumni base.

Evaluating the campus environment, student activities, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals can foster meaningful connections and friendships during the college years, laying the foundation for future networking. Check if a school’s alumni organization offers events where you can maintain connections and get access to resources and facilities.

Related Questions

What is the Highest Degree?

The highest degree is the doctorate, which typically requires several years of advanced study and research beyond a master’s degree. It is the terminal degree in most fields. It’s also often a worthwhile investment for those seeking careers in academia, research, or jobs requiring the highest level of expertise and credentials.

What is the Quickest Degree?

The quickest degree you can study is typically an associate’s degree or a vocational degree, which can be completed in two years or less. These programs are designed to provide practical, job-focused training and often include experiential learning opportunities such as internships or apprenticeships.

What Else can I Take Aside From the Major Degree Programs?

Aside from the major degree programs, you can also pursue programs like certificate programs, short courses, specialist degrees, and fellowship programs tailored to specific interests or employment goals. These options offer flexibility and allow you to gain specialized knowledge or credentials without committing to a full degree program.

Conclusion

Ultimately, having a comprehensive understanding of the different degrees and their alignment with your desired career trajectory is going to help you choose the right degree for yourself. By aligning your education with your professional goals, you can open doors to personal and professional growth, positioning yourself for higher earning potential and increased job satisfaction.

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